Pixel 7 compact - AKA Pixel 7a - could be just over the horizon TechRadar Skip to main content TechRadar is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's why you can trust us. Pixel 7 compact - AKA Pixel 7a - could be just over the horizon By David Nield published 20 September 2022 It might be the Pixel 7a Google has confirmed the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro (Image credit: Google) Audio player loading… We're expecting Google to finally get around to launching the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro next month, having confirmed their existence back in May – but we now have news of a smaller Pixel variant that could also be arriving in the not-too-distant future. This comes from Digital Chat Station (opens in new tab), a tipster with a respectably good track record for accurate leaks. Unfortunately, we don't actually get all that much information about the device apart from a codename: Neila. The phone will apparently have a single circular hole cut-out for the selfie camera, which is in line with the Pixel 7. The rear of the phone will also follow the trend of recent Pixels apparently, with an extruded bar on the back housing the rear cameras. Size matters What we don't have here is any indication of just how compact this smaller phone is going to be. The Pixel 6 has a 6.4-inch screen and the Pixel 6 Pro has a 6.71-inch screen, while the flagship Pixel 7 handsets are expected to match those dimensions pretty closely. Could this new phone be the Google Pixel 7a? The Pixel 6a has a smaller 6.1-inch display after all – but the leak uses the word "flagship" (via Google Translate anyway), which suggests that it won't be a more affordable mid-ranger like the Pixel 6a is. There have been whispers about both a smaller Pixel 7 and a Pixel 7 Ultra in previous months, but so far Google has only confirmed the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro. We'll have to wait and see what else might appear in the same series. Analysis small doesn t usually sell As the tipster Digital Chat Station points out, there's some volatility when it comes to the sales of smaller phones across different markets. Remember that Apple launched the iPhone 13 mini last year, but this year has replaced it with the much bigger iPhone 14 Plus. Phone sizes continue to creep up and up towards what would previously have been described as "phablet" territory. The original Google Pixel, launched a mere six years ago in 2016, came sporting a 5 inch display that would feel tiny by today's standards. A smaller screen means a phone takes up less room in a bag or a pocket; it also means it's easier to operate with one hand. Against that, it means less can fit on to the screen at once – whether that's a document, a website, or a social media feed. Foldable phones could be the answer, offering larger screens when opened and more compact form factors when closed shut. If the rumors are to be believed, Google is prepping a foldable Pixel phone as well as this more compact Neila model.Pixel 7 Pro chip might be 'way slower' than competition – but that's not a worry David NieldFreelance ContributorDave is a freelance tech journalist who has been writing about gadgets, apps and the web for more than two decades. Based out of Stockport, England, on TechRadar you'll find him covering news, features and reviews, particularly for phones, tablets and wearables. Working to ensure our breaking news coverage is the best in the business over weekends, David also has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci and a few other places besides, as well as being many years editing the likes of PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook. See more Mobile phones news TechRadar Newsletter Sign up to get breaking news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more, plus the hottest tech deals! Thank you for signing up to TechRadar. You will receive a verification email shortly. There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again. MOST POPULARMOST SHARED1I tried the weirdest-looking Bluetooth speaker in the world, and I utterly adore it2You may not have to sell a body part to afford the Nvidia RTX 4090 after all3My days as a helpful meat shield are over, thanks to the Killer Klown horror game4100% on Rotten Tomatoes: 7 new critically-acclaimed dramas you may have missed5I won't buy the Google Pixel 7 unless it fixes these three Pixel 6 problems1We finally know what 'Wi-Fi' stands for - and it's not what you think2Best laptops for designers and coders 3Miofive 4K Dash Cam review4Logitech's latest webcam and headset want to relieve your work day frustrations5Best offers on Laptops for Education – this festive season Technology Magazines (opens in new tab)● (opens in new tab)The best tech tutorials and in-depth reviewsFrom$12.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)